Erik ten Hag makes bold Marcus Rashford claims after Manchester United lose to Manchester City 

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has asserted his faith in Marcus Rashford after their FA Community Shield defeat against Manchester City. They lost 7-6 on penalties at Wembley on Saturday, August 10.

Rashford had two glorious chances to open the scoring for his side - one in each half - but missed them. Alejandro Garnacho eventually made it 1-0 for United in the 82nd minute before Bernardo Silva restored parity seven minutes later. The game went into penalties, where Jonny Evans missed the decisive penalty as Manchester City won the Shield.

After the game, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was asked about Rashford's missed chances and performance in general. He said (via ESPN):

"I think he was several times in very good positions. I'm very pleased he is getting in those positions. Keep going, keep making those movements and the team will make those movements, he will score goals.

"He's experienced enough to deal with this and once he scores one, then the goals will come."

Rashford played 83 minutes against Manchester City. He completed 14/15 passes, made two key passes, had three shots, completed 0/3 dribbles, hit the woodwork once, and missed two big chances.

The Englishman had a poor 2023-24 campaign with Manchester United, recording just eight goals and five assists in 43 games across competitions.

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Erik ten Hag expresses disappointment after Manchester United's defeat against Manchester City

The Cityzens had 56% possession and had nine attempts on goal, with just one being on target. Manchester United, meanwhile, had eight attempts, with two being on target. Both sides hit the woodwork but across the 90 minutes, United arguably had the better chances.

The Red Devils also found themselves in an advantageous position in the penalty shootout after Andre Onana saved Bernardo Silva's tame effort. However, Ederson then saved Jadon Sancho's penalty while Jonny Evans skied his shot.

After the game, Erik ten Hag rued his side's missed chances and expressed his disappointment at the loss, saying (via ESPN):

"We are disappointed. We have to feel the pain and everyone feels the pain. That's a good signal but also I see some positives.

"We performed well, we could've won this game, we were twice leading in the game and in the penalties but we lost and we're disappointed. But we take the positives."

Manchester United will be in action on Friday (August 16) as they begin their 2024-25 Premier League campaign. Manchester City, meanwhile, will commence their title defense at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on Sunday.